(KLZA)-- The Falls City Board of Education voted to accept the resignations of Middle and High School Instrumental Music instructor John Furrow after seven years in the position when they met Monday evening.

The resignation of his wife, Michelle Furrow, a part-time teacher and previously a para professional in the district was also accepted.

The Board also approved the hiring of Carter Drake, a graduate of Humboldt-Table Rock – Steinauer School and Peru State College as an elementary teacher.

Following discussion on classified employee wages for the 2022-23 school year, the Board voted to table the agenda item to determine the costs to increase the wages. Superintendent Tim Heckenlively had proposed a three-percent increase that would amount to an increase of $158 thousand to the budget.

Board member Scott Hollens said that with the increase in inflation, he would like to increase the wages more if possible.

The Superintendent will prepare figures for the Board to review. He noted that according to a wage survey, District 56 is in the middle-of-the pack on wages for classified employees.

The pay increase is proposed to be on what the employees are currently paid. Heckenlively said if the base salary for classified employees was increased three percent, the impact on the budget would be approximately $250 thousand.

During the discussion Board member Dan Jones suggested the District need to look at offering more to retain bus drivers. The last time District 56 advertised for bus drivers, there were no applicants.